Santander consumer finance selling on my debt

PlatinumMist

Hi All,

I work away alot sometimes 2-3 months at a time (outside of the EU).

The Santander finance is on a car and I was over 4years into a 5yr agreement with no issues!

I've just arrived home to find out that for some unknown reason (they don't even know / can't tell me) they stopped claiming their direct debit from my account.

I have checked with my bank and they have said there's nothing wrong with the Direct Debit and they are free to access my money on the date agreed on the Direct Debit mandate. The Direct Debit is STILL setup!

This has of course put the finance account into arrears and added charges. And due to me not responding due to being away has litterally JUST been sold to CCM Ltd who are know requesting the whole outstanding balance of £1800. I am not in a situation where I can pay that amount without getting into trouble paying my bills etc.

They list my options as Pay in FULL or:-

- A debt collector may visit your address to collect the outstanding debt
- Issue of legal proceedings in a County Court Judgment (CCJ)
- The Vehicle - XXXXX , being repossessed with a court order.
- Automatic deductions from your earning by way of an attachment of earnings.
- A charge registered again your property.
- A High Court Enforcement Office visiting your home to levy on goods.
- Fees and interest added to your account.

My question is what is the best action now? I feel like I've been victim of foul play but don't really know where to start! :eek:

bengalknights

Go to your local CAB and report it to the ombudsman as the money was in your account and no direct debits were collected this is a santander error that they should rectify.

At the same time you will have to challenge the debt with CCM and get them to put it into dispute.

PlatinumMist

Ok thank you .

Does it matter that CCM don't seem to be a debt collection firm they say they've actually BOUGHT the debt :mad:

Common_Sense_2

how long have you been away and how long have they not taken the payments for?

Also surely if the money wasn't taken, you would still have the money in your account so you'd be able to catch up?

I'm surprised that santander have 'sold' your loan to another company after you being away for only 2-3 months - also did you arrive home to any letters informing you that this was what they were going to do.

sorry if i sound cynical, but something isn't adding up here..

antrobus

Both the local CAB and the FOS will tell you that you need to pursue a complaint with Santander. See http://www.santander.co.uk/csgs/Satellite?appID=abbey.internet.Abbeycom&cid=1210607166846&leng=en_GB&pagename=Abbeycom%2FPage%2FWC_ACOM_TemplateA2

As far as CCM concerned you inform them that this is another Santander mistake, a complaint has been made, and repeat ad nauseam as required.

PlatinumMist

Just over 3 months meaning I've Missed three payments. And yes I have all the letters running up to what has happened.

And 3 payments isn't £1800 more like £420 which is a good start I suppose.

I guess I'll know more when their call centre is open tomorrow.

Edit: I've also just raised the issue with Santander on their online form.